Tuesday, November 22, 2011

"HUGO 3-D" - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from Hugo 3-D

Magical, absolutely magical. Legendary Director Martin Scorcese's first foray into the Family genre - the $170-million opus that is Hugo 3-D - is an intricate and eye-popping Spectacle unlike anything you've ever seen. Set in a post-War-torn Paris, we see the World through the eyes of an orphaned Boy named Hugo Cabret (Asa Butterfield) who lives day-to-day at a Train Station, escaping the watchful eye of a tyrannical Station Inspector (Sacha Baron Cohen). Before passing away, Hugo's Father (Jude Law) leaves behind a mysterious broken Automaton (a self-operating machine), which only can be unlocked by a heart-shaped key held by Isabelle (Chloë Grace Moretz). Her Guardian happens to be Georges Méliès (Sir Ben Kingsley).

Georges deems Hugo untrustworthy after having caught him stealing from his Toy Store at the Station, meaning Hugo and Isabelle are to bond secretly. As this Story develops, we learn that this Automaton holds a rich and storied Tale of whom Georges and his Wife Jeanne (Helen McCrory) once were before their Paris was affected by War.

Hugo 3-D, based upon Brian Selznick's Novel The Invention of Hugo Cabret, is hard not to like with a Story so multi-layered, it engages you right from the get-go and never relents. Together with this Boy, we try to unlock the mystery behind the Automaton, fearing genuinely for him every step of the way as he escapes being thrown into an Orphanage. 3-D Technology here is tasteful and elegant as only can be expected of Scorcese.

Child Actor Butterfield excels with his natural gift of emotive and piercing blue eyes in this breakthrough role for him. Moretz as always, is an exciting young Talent to follow and she holds her weight well with these Heavyweights. The commanding Cohen proves once again what a brilliant Chameleon he is, his presence felt both on and off-screen. Kingsley shines brightest as a resentful Man who long-ago had buried his dreams, but is the true Hero in this rewarding Journey.

Hugo 3-D hits theatres via Paramount Pictures on November 23, 2011. A definite Frontrunner for Best Picture. Wish they made Movies like this when I was a Kid!

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